The tombstones, or headstones, that mark graves represent a form of art that reminds visitors of lives lived and families of memories. Behind that art lie the skilled hands of designers, etchers, engravers and carvers who turn slabs of stone into personalized tributes to the dead. Although these artisans in the U.S. increasingly employ computer-aided technology to create these remembrances, their work continues a tradition of making cemeteries what Chicago sculptor Walter S. Arnold calls "museums of stone carving."

Layout Artist

Companies that produce tombstones offer a design service to help families determine the headstone's look. After the family decides stone type and size, wording, font selection and visual elements to include, the layout artist uses computer software to prepare a balanced design and stencils of the approved version. Depending on the design elements chosen, an etcher, carver or sculptor will translate the blank stone into the memorial the family imagined. Independent tombstone artists craft their designs by hand.

Stone Etcher

Etching, a form of engraving, comes into play when the design element or image being added to a tombstone demands fine detailing to show texture. Photos, logos and scenes can be scanned, then cut into the surface by a stone etcher either with lasers or a diamond engraver tool.

Stone Carver or Engraver

Traditional stone carvers either hand-draw or transcribe lettering and design elements onto the stone from the design sketch with scribes, tracing paper or chalk. They use chisels and pneumatic tools to carve lines and shapes. When using stencils, the stone carver relies on different nozzles to sandblast the surface, taking care to monitor the depth of the carving for consistency.

Sculptor

Some stone carvers work more as sculptors to incorporate three-dimensional elements into a tombstone or monument. These stone sculptors combine their artistic talent with carving techniques to create full figures such as angels, pets or other items dear to the loved one. Using a technique called bas relief, in which the carving rises from the stone's flat surface, the sculptor gives symbols and visuals such as flowers more depth than flat or shaped engraving allows.

About the Author

Trudy Brunot began writing in 1992. Her work has appeared in "Quarterly," "Pennsylvania Health & You," "Constructor" and the "Tribune-Review" newspaper. Her domestic and international experience includes human resources, advertising, marketing, product and retail management positions. She holds a master's degree in international business administration from the University of South Carolina.